Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, Vol. II.

by John L. Stephens

"Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, Vol. II" by John L. Stephens is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The narrative follows the author, along with his companions, as they embark on an exploratory journey through the Yucatan Peninsula, uncovering ancient Mayan ruins and detailing their interactions with local indigenous communities. The work is richly illustrated with engravings that accompany the descriptions of the structures and landscapes they encounter. At the start of the volume, the travelers depart from Nohcacab on their quest to explore nearby ruins, equipped with only the essentials for their journey. They experience the challenges of traveling through whose communities are solely populated by indigenous peoples, observing their customs and the devastating scarcity of water. The group visits the ruins of Zayi, where they marvel at the architectural remnants that demonstrate the once-thriving civilization. Stephens provides detailed observations about the historic buildings, the natural environment, and the peculiar habits of the people they meet, weaving insights into the broader narrative of exploration and adventure in the region.